Skip IPL for major events: John Gloster

Indian cricketers should opt out of the Indian Premier League if a major international tournament is scheduled immediately after it, said the team's former physio John Gloster.

Talking to PTI, Gloster said players should avoid tournaments like the IPL to make sure that they are at the peak of their physical and mental fitness before a crucial international tournament like the World Cup.

"Skip IPL if possible. Some of the Australians skipped it," he said.

"The IPL has taught cricketers to adapt to different conditions and situations quickly but it is wiser to skip it if it is close to any important series because it involves too much of travelling which leads to stress," he added.

Defending champions India looked jaded in the T20 WC in England and failed even to make the semifinals.

Gloster said close-knit families in India mean that the players are more likely to be homesick on trips abroad, something which causes mental fatigue.

"Perhaps no other country has as strong family bonds as the Indians. I have an Indian wife and so I know what are the emotional needs of Indians.

"I feel it is the mental fatigue rather than the physical work which was taking the toll on Indian cricketers. They have been away from their homes for months. Some of them take their wives with them but still that cannot be a substitute for a family atmosphere," he said.

"It is all about family, friends, relatives and surroundings. A youngster can keep away from family but for the likes of Sachin Tendulkar, it is difficult to keep away from family for long periods. Sachin loves his family too much and I believe he is not happy when away," Gloster added.

Asked whether the huge money at stake in IPL would ever allow cricketers to make that choice, Gloster said it is up to the individual to decide.

"(Mahendra Singh) Dhoni skipped the series against Sri Lanka and it does not mean that his position was in danger. Dhoni is a class cricketer. He should also be allowed a dip in his career."

"You might see him playing cautiously but he might also be evolving himself by playing differently in different situations. Slight dip in the form should not be seen in other light. He is capable of taking on any role," said Gloster.

Gloster rubbished suggestions that Dhoni hides injuries. "He always believes in giving his 100 per cent. He is a wonderful cricketer. There is no question that he would be hiding his injury," he said.

The physio said it would be a good idea to constitute a medical board within the BCCI to assess players' fitness.

"It is a good idea to have a medical board within the BCCI. That would mean that the question of fitness and injury issues are left to people who are learned in their field.

"Sometimes the views of team management can only create confusion. And nobody can dare suggest the stars to have rest by skipping few matches," he said.